də̇ˈvərd.ə̇smənt, -ə̇zm-, F dēvertēsmäⁿ noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, literally, diversion, amusement
1.
a. : a suite of ballet numbers used as an interlude in a full-length ballet, opera, or similar program
b. : a light diverting piece of music
c. : an episode in a fugue
d. : a potpourri of airs
2. : divertimento 1
3.
a. : an activity or performance that gives pleasure and entertainment to participants or audience : diversion , entertainment
such divertissements as horse racing, dog racing, and swimming
b. : an artistic or intellectual production of a light, informal, and entertaining character
detective story … has an honorable history as an intellectual divertissement — Anthony Boucher